Annual dolphin census

About Irrawaddy Dolphins

• Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris
• Habitat: Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. 
  • The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 118-mile stretch of the river between Cambodia and Lao PDR.
  • These dolphins have a bulging forehead, short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of both jaws.

• Conservation Status: Irrawaddy dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are mentioned in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

Chilika Lake

• It is a brackish water lagoon that is spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India.
• It is Asia’s largest salt-water lagoon and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent.
• Chilka Lake is selected as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. 
• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary

• It is a marine wildlife sanctuary located in Odisha.
• It is the world’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles.
• It extends from Dhamra River mouth in the north to Brahmani river mouth in the south.
• Gahirmatha was declared a turtle sanctuary in 1997 by the Odisha after considering its ecological importance and as part of efforts to save the sea turtles.